H.R. 8658 Passed the House Native Americans

Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act

To amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to modify the notification requirement for emergency contract health services for certain beneficiaries, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Kennedy, Mike [R-UT-3] Introduced May 4, 2026 Cosponsors 1 (1 R) Latest action September 15, 2026

Summary

Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act
This bill extends from 72 hours to not less than 15 days the time period to notify the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program of emergency medical care received from a non-Indian Health Service (IHS) medical provider or at a non-IHS medical facility. This bill does not apply to individuals who are elderly or disabled, who continue to have a 30-day notification requirement for emergency services.
The IHS provides medical and dental services directly to American Indian and Alaska Native patients whenever possible. The PRC program pays for medical or dental care that is provided away from an IHS or tribal health care facility. The PRC program must be notified of requests for authorization of payment for health care services from a non-IHS provider.
Currently in emergency cases, the patient, an individual on behalf of the patient, or the medical care provider must, within 72 hours after the beginning of treatment for the condition or after admission to a health care facility, notify a PRC authorizing official of the need for the emergency medical care. This bill instead allows the patient, other individual, or provider to notify PRC not less than 15 days of the treatment or admission.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Sep 15, 2026 Received in the Senate.
  2. Sep 14, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Sep 14, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5576)
  4. Sep 14, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8658.
  5. Sep 14, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5576-5578)
  6. Sep 14, 2026 Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  7. Aug 27, 2026 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 679.
  8. Aug 27, 2026 Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
  9. Aug 27, 2026 Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-778, Part I.
  10. Jul 15, 2026 Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
  11. Jul 15, 2026 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  12. Jul 15, 2026 Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Discharged

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